Intermediate
Recitation Modes
Surah: Al-Muzzammil (4)
Tarteel, Hadr, and Tadweer — Meanings and Rulings
وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا
— المزمل الآية 4
Definition:
Quranic recitation has three recognized modes, all permissible as long as they do not violate the rights of each letter:
1. Tarteel (Measured Recitation):
Slow, careful reading giving full length to vowel extensions, articulating every letter correctly. Best for contemplation. Allah says: "And recite the Quran with measured recitation (tarteelan)" (Al-Muzzammil: 4).
2. Hadr (Rapid Recitation):
Fast recitation while preserving all rules — no obligatory extension (madd) may be dropped and no two words may blend improperly. Commonly used in long audible prayers.
3. Tadweer (Moderate Recitation):
A middle pace between tarteel and hadr; most commonly used in daily teaching circles.
Rule:
All three are permissible. The best depends on context: tarteel for reflection, hadr to cover more verses, tadweer for teaching and transmission.
Examples:
"And recite the Quran with tarteel" — evidence for slow measured recitation.
"Recite what is easy of the Quran" (Al-Muzzammil: 20) — evidence for flexibility including hadr.
Quranic recitation has three recognized modes, all permissible as long as they do not violate the rights of each letter:
1. Tarteel (Measured Recitation):
Slow, careful reading giving full length to vowel extensions, articulating every letter correctly. Best for contemplation. Allah says: "And recite the Quran with measured recitation (tarteelan)" (Al-Muzzammil: 4).
2. Hadr (Rapid Recitation):
Fast recitation while preserving all rules — no obligatory extension (madd) may be dropped and no two words may blend improperly. Commonly used in long audible prayers.
3. Tadweer (Moderate Recitation):
A middle pace between tarteel and hadr; most commonly used in daily teaching circles.
Rule:
All three are permissible. The best depends on context: tarteel for reflection, hadr to cover more verses, tadweer for teaching and transmission.
Examples:
"And recite the Quran with tarteel" — evidence for slow measured recitation.
"Recite what is easy of the Quran" (Al-Muzzammil: 20) — evidence for flexibility including hadr.
Source: An-Nashr fil-Qiraat by Ibn Al-Jazari; Al-Tamheed fi Ilm Al-Tajweed by Ibn Al-Jazari
Test Yourself
What is the difference between tarteel, hadr, and tadweer? Give an example use for each.
Show Answer